Featured – Hookele – Pearl Harbor – Hickam Newshttp://www.hookelenews.com
Hawaii Navy and Air Force NewsFri, 14 Dec 2018 22:05:31 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.1377 years later, We Rememberhttp://www.hookelenews.com/77-years-later-we-remember/
Fri, 14 Dec 2018 20:01:48 +0000http://www.hookelenews.com/?p=27090
MC2 Allen McNair Navy Public Affairs Support Element Detachment Hawaii Early Friday morning, as rain fell softly across the island, a crowd of approximately 2,000 people were focused on one man — Mr. Everett Hyland. Seventy-seven years ago, Hyland was on the deck of the USS Pennsylvania when it took a direct hit from a […]]]>

Pearl Harbor and World War II veterans attend the ceremony.

MC2 Allen McNair

Navy Public Affairs Support Element Detachment Hawaii

Early Friday morning, as rain fell softly across the island, a crowd of approximately 2,000 people were focused on one man Mr. Everett Hyland. Seventy-seven years ago, Hyland was on the deck of the USS Pennsylvania when it took a direct hit from a 500-pound bomb launched by Imperial Japanese forces.

The bomb hit so close to where he was standing, it knocked him into the air. In the end, he sustained multiple wounds and severe burns, but escaped with his life. He was the only survivor on board. On Friday, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael P. Murphy (DDG 112), passed through Pearl Harbor, rendering honors to Hyland and the thousands of service members and civilians who were at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

The National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 77th Anniversary ceremony was held on the ceremonial lawn at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center to remember the 2,390 American casualties from the attack on Pearl Harbor and reflect on the peace and prosperity forged by all who fought on.

The theme of this year’s event was “Forging the Future,” which derives from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s State of the Union address in 1943.

“As long as our flag flies over this capitol, Americans will honor the Soldiers, Sailors and Marines who fought our first battles of this war against overwhelming odds,” Roosevelt said. “Their unconquerable spirit will live forever.”

The ceremony began with a customary moment of silence at exactly 7:55 a.m. the time that the attack started in 1941. Following the national anthem, a Hawaiian blessing and passing honors, Superintendent of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument Jacqueline Ashwell, expressed her compassion for the service members who were present 77 years ago.

Members of the 15th Wing Honor Guard perform a three-volley salute. The ceremony included performances by the Air Force Band of the Pacific, and laying commemorative wreaths. Photos by Tech. Sgt. Heather Redman

“When I have the privilege of accompanying someone on their very first visit to Pearl Harbor, I ask them to stop for a moment and go back in time with me to imagine the harbor as it was that day,” Ashwell said. “Explosions, chaos, smoke, flame. Some of you don’t have to imagine. You witnessed it firsthand.

We are truly blessed to have you here with us today, to help us remember.”

Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, was the keynote speaker of the ceremony. He said that since World War II, the U.S. has continued to play an active role in ensuring a free and open region.

“The United States continues to work alongside our allies and partners towards this shared vision,” Davidson said. “But, challenges remain. There are nations and forces in the region today opposed to the idea of a free and open region. We will remain opposed to those who desire to lead a region that is closed and authoritarian. We cannot fail and we will not fail.”

Following the admiral’s speech, active duty service members and National Park Service rangers presented wreaths to honor the Territory of Hawaii, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard. Distinguished visitors included David Ige, governor of Hawaii, Tatsunobu Isoda, mayor of Nagaoka, Japan, and Adm. John Aquilino, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. The ceremony concluded with a rifle salute by the U.S. Marine Corps and a vintage aircraft flyover.

Rear Adm. Brian Fort, commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, reminded the crowd that in just under two years, we will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.

“The lives lost here at Pearl Harbor and throughout all of World War II will always be remembered,” he said. “And that memory will continue to forge a generation of peace, partnerships, and prosperity for many generations.”

Photos by MC2 Justin Pacheco

]]>Forging the Futurehttp://www.hookelenews.com/forging-the-future/
Fri, 07 Dec 2018 20:29:54 +0000http://www.hookelenews.com/?p=27048
National Park Service The National Park Service and the United States Navy will host the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 77th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony, today, to honor and remember the 2,390 American casualties lost during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the island of Oahu Dec. 7, 1941. The ceremony will begin at 7:50 […]]]>

Ed Stone, USS Pyro Pearl Harbor survivor, looks at the USS Arizona memorial during a white boat tour Dec. 4 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Three Pearl Harbor survivors and their families sailed across the harbor to view the memorials of all the ships that sank during the day of infamy, Dec. 7, 1941.Photo by Staff Sgt. Jasmonet D. Jackson

National Park Service

The National Park Service and the United States Navy will host the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 77th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony, today, to honor and remember the 2,390 American casualties lost during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the island of Oahu Dec. 7, 1941.

The ceremony will begin at 7:50 a.m. and take place on the ceremonial lawn at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Pearl Harbor survivors, World War II veterans, family members and local dignitaries will be in attendance. Adm. Philip S. Davidson, commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, will deliver the keynote address.

A moment of silence will be observed at 7:55 a.m., the exact moment the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor began. A ship will render pass-in-review honors to the USS Arizona and all Pearl Harbor survivors. A missing man flyover conducted by the 199th Fighter Squadron, Hawai’i Air National Guard and the 19th Fighter Squadron, U.S. Air Force will follow.

This year’s theme, “Forging the Future,” highlights events in 1943, the second year after the attack, as the United States rose to face challenges " class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> both at war and on the homefront " class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> in order to achieve greater peace, freedom and democracy in the world, including in Japan and in Europe.

“The brave veterans of World War II, including one of my grandfathers who served in the Army and one of my wife’s grandfathers who served right here in Pearl Harbor, gave us a lasting peace we are committed to preserve,” said Rear Adm. Brian Fort, commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific. “They forged the future, and we will always remember their legacy, service and sacrifice here at Pearl Harbor.”

“We are honored to welcome survivors, veterans and witnesses to the commemoration of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day,” said World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument Superintendent Jacqueline Ashwell. “Together we remember the events that took place 77 years ago, and honor the actions of brave individuals that continue to affect us today.”

Highlights of the ceremony will also include music by the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet Band, a Hawaiian blessing, wreath presentations, a rifle salute by the U.S. Marine Corps, a vintage aircraft flyover and echo taps in recognition of the men and women who survived the attack and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country Dec. 7, 1941. The ceremony will be broadcasted live online.

Arrive early if you plan to attend in person. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center will open at 6 a.m.

Tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial Program

USS Arizona Memorial programs will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning at 6 a.m. No reserved tickets will be available.

Bag Policy

Visitors are not allowed to bring items that offer concealment inside the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Such items include (but are not limited to) purses, handbags, fanny packs, backpacks, camera bags, diaper bags and luggage. Visitors may bring wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, canes, umbrellas, jackets, sweaters, small wallets, medication, small cameras and camcorders, cell phones and small sealable beverage containers. All items brought into the visitor center are subject to inspection. The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park has a bag storage facility near the entrance to the visitor center. This service will be available for free from 6 to 10 a.m., after which a nominal fee will be charged. Additional information on the visitor center’s bag policy is available at nps.gov/valr.

Attire

This event will take place rain or shine on the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center’s ceremonial lawn. Please wear appropriate footwear. Military are not obligated to be in uniform for this ceremony. Military members who choose to wear uniforms to the site are encouraged to wear Class B or better.

Visit www.pearlharborevents.com for more information.

]]>‘Day of infamy’ rememberedhttp://www.hookelenews.com/day-of-infamy-remembered/
Fri, 30 Nov 2018 22:05:35 +0000http://www.hookelenews.com/?p=26993
Dec. 7, 2018 will mark 77 years since America was launched into World War II with the attack on Oahu, including Pearl Harbor. These are some commemorative events taking place this year, Dec. 1-7. Dec. 1 • A Pearl Harbor History Day will be held at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center from 8 a.m. to […]]]>

A view looking down Battleship Row from Ford Island Naval Air Station, shortly after the Japanese torpedo plane attack. USS California (BB-44) is on the left. In the center are USS Maryland (BB-46) with the capsized USS Oklahoma (BB-37). USS Neosho (AO-23) is at right. Most smoke is from USS Arizona (BB-39). U.S. Navy file photo, now in the National Archives

Dec. 7, 2018

will mark 77 years since America was launched into World War II with the attack on Oahu, including Pearl Harbor. These are some commemorative events taking place this year, Dec. 1-7.

Dec. 1

A Pearl Harbor History Day will be held at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to launch the 77th anniversary commemoration week.

Dec. 2

The Swingin’ Blue Stars performance will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center lanai. This event helps support the museum’s restoration and education programs. This is a free event.

Dec. 3

The Coast Guard Auxiliary Arizona Band Performance will perform at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center lanai from 9 to 10:30 a.m. This is a free event.

Dec. 4

The U.S. Pacific Fleet Band will perform on the lanai at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center from 8:30 to 10 a.m. This is a free event.

The Swingin’ Blue Stars performance will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center lanai. This free event helps support the museum’s restoration and education programs.

Dec. 5

The U.S. Army Band will perform free at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center lanai from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m.

The USS Arizona Live Dive with the Pearl Harbor Wounded Veterans in Parks Program is scheduled from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. There will be a live, interactive broadcast from the submerged USS Arizona shown in the theater at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

Dec. 6

A USS Utah Memorial Sunset Ceremony will be held at the USS Utah Memorial from 5 to 6 p.m. The ceremony honors the loss of the USS Utah (AG-16) and 58 of its crew. This event is free to those with base access and their sponsored guests.

The Spirit of Liberty Freedom Foundation Bell-Ringing is scheduled from Dec. 6-8 from 8 a.m. to sunset. The public is invited to ring America’s Freedom Bell to honor armed forces past, present and future at the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park. A ceremony is also scheduled for Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. and is open to the public.

Dec. 7

The National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration will be held from 7:50 to 9:15 a.m. at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. The National Park Service and the U.S. Navy will co-host the 77th commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The keynote speaker is Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The public is invited to attend.

Due to strict security measures, guests may not bring handbags, purses, camera bags or other items that offer concealment to the ceremony. Personal cameras are allowed. This is a free event.

Note: If you are a Pearl Harbor survivor or World War II veteran, contact the Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs Office at 473-3152, 473-1173 or 473-0664 to receive an invitation and seating for the ceremony.

A Hickam Field Commemoration will be held at the Atterbury Circle at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam from 7:50 a.m.

The USS Oklahoma Memorial Ceremony will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the USS Oklahoma Memorial on Ford Island. The USS Oklahoma ceremony commemorates the devastating loss of the ship and 429 of its crew members. A free shuttle departing every 15 minutes is available from the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, which is adjacent to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. This is a free event.

A Pearl Harbor Day Parade and a public ceremony will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. from Fort DeRussy to Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. This is a free event.

Honolulu Police Officer Ryan Yamamoto briefs Sailors assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 about how to stay safe while off duty during a safety stand-down, Nov. 15.

Story and photo by MC2 Charles Oki

Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

Officers from the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) spoke to Sailors assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1 as part of a holiday safety stand down at the Ford Island Conference Center on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Nov. 15.

The HPD officers spoke about off-duty safety on the island of Oahu as well as local laws that might be different compared to the continental United States.

According to Officer Chris Siangco, a member of the Community Policing Team for Waikiki, one of the biggest issues facing residents, tourists, and service members is property crimes with reports of more than 13,000 theft cases, 700 robberies, and 6,000 vehicle break-ins in Oahu this year.

“We were asked to come out today to talk to Sailors about general safety tips when they are out enjoying all that Hawaii has to offer,” Siangco said. “Any little tip we can give that might keep someone safe is a win.”

Other topics discussed included local laws, statistics to keep in mind to get a better understanding of issues affecting the local area, and what HPD does to help keep locals, tourists, and military members safe.

“We look at our people as our most valuable resource at our command and keeping them safe is very important to us,” said Cmdr. Jonathan Puglia, commanding officer for MDSU 1.

“If there is any information that we can share whether it is from our own internal organization or from an outside entity such as the HPD we’re going to do that to ensure our people are the most well informed, well educated, and empowered to make good decisions on or off duty. We really appreciate the HPD for coming out and providing this training to ensure our Sailors stay safe. It makes a big difference when you have an actual law enforcement officer standing in front of you and providing the information compared to a powerpoint presentation,” he added.

According to the Hawaii State Government and the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, Oahu is home to more than 950,000 residents and is visited by more than 400,000 tourists on average per month.

]]>Honoring Veteranshttp://www.hookelenews.com/honoring-veterans/
Sat, 17 Nov 2018 00:30:25 +0000http://www.hookelenews.com/?p=26886
Battleship Missouri Memorial This year’s Veterans Day observances included a sunset ceremony aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial at Ford Island, Nov. 11. All veterans were honored, both past and present, who have served our country with valor and heroism, and with many making the ultimate sacrifice. A special tribute was paid to “Korean War Veterans […]]]>

This year’s Veterans Day observances included a sunset ceremony aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial at Ford Island, Nov. 11.

All veterans were honored, both past and present, who have served our country with valor and heroism, and with many making the ultimate sacrifice. A special tribute was paid to “Korean War Veterans and the 65th Anniversary of the Korean War armistice.”

On June 25, 1950, thousands of soldiers from North Korea crossed the 38th parallel, a boundary between the northern and southern parts of the country. Both North and South Korea claimed to be the sole government, with neither side recognizing the border to be permanent.

The invasion was the first military action of the Korean War. A few weeks later, American troops entered the war on South Korea’s behalf, soon followed by United Nation’s military support.

Rear Adm. Jon C. Kreitz presented the ceremony’s keynote address. Kreitz is the deputy director for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. The agency’s efforts are to find and identify the remains of missing Americans who are unaccounted for from past wars dating back to World War II and reconnect them with their families.

“We owe it to the families of our missing, we owe it to our nation, and we owe it to our veterans who served with them,” Kreitz said. “No one will ever be forgotten. We will stay the course for this mission until the job is done.”

Herbert Schreiner a retired Air Force master sergeant who fought in the Korean War served as the distinguished guest speaker. Currently, he is the president of the Korean War Veterans Association Hawaii Chapter 1. Schreiner recounted his experience as a service member in the Korean War and the impression it continues to leave on him as a veteran.

“Us veterans always think about the sacrifice we give and how we gave our country the freedom to prosper and grow,” Schreiner said. “We were never forgotten. Ask a veteran, what is freedom? We earned it and gave it to the people of this country.”

The Korean War is often referred to as “The Forgotten War.” The war never formally ended, and its memory is overshadowed by the victory of World War II in the 1940s and the controversy of the Vietnam War in the late-1960s and early-1970s.

“Sixty-five years ago, these heroes won a lasting peace over an armistice. Most returned to their families,” Lilly said. “More than 100,000 were injured, over 36,000 lost their lives they gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom, and nearly 8,000 remain missing in action.”

After three years of bloodshed, an armistice was signed July 27, 1953 creating the Korean Demilitarized Zone to separate North and South Korea.

With both sides still divided, the 38th parallel continues to be the world’s most heavily fortified border, patrolled by troops and guarded with heavy artillery.

The annual Makahiki was celebrated at Rainbow Bay Marina, Nov. 3. The Makahiki, or Thanksgiving festival, featured hookupu (gift) presentations, cultural demonstrations and ancient traditional games. The event was free and open to the public.

The beginning of the Makahiki festival was marked by the arrival of Lono to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH). Lono, a deified guardian of agriculture, rain, health and peace, arrived via double-hulled canoe paddled by dignitaries.

“(Military members coming to this event) is an important aspect to our relationship not only with the local population but the native Hawaiian groups as well,” Fort said.

“It shows that we’re not just visitors and we don’t just come here to serve; we come here to be members of the community. We come here to be an important aspect of their cultural awareness as well. In fact, we’re very proud at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam,” he added.

Fort added that JBPHH has most recently introduced the Aloha Welcome Academy, a class which introduces incoming Sailors to Hawaii and its culture.

The Makahiki festival provided an opportunity for military families and civilians alike to learn and appreciate some of the cultural traditions of native Hawaiians.

NAVFAC Hawaii, CNRH and JBPHH coordinated with Kupuna Shad Kane and various other organizations to make this annual Makahiki a success.

]]>Interceptionhttp://www.hookelenews.com/interception/
Fri, 02 Nov 2018 20:56:25 +0000http://www.hookelenews.com/?p=26760
Story and photo by Mark Wright Missile Defense Agency The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and Sailors aboard USS John Finn (DDG-113) successfully conducted an intercept of a medium-range ballistic missile target with a Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA missile during a flight test off the west coast of Hawaii. The SM-3 Block IIA is […]]]>

Story and photo by Mark Wright

Missile Defense Agency

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and Sailors aboard USS John Finn (DDG-113) successfully conducted an intercept of a medium-range ballistic missile target with a Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA missile during a flight test off the west coast of Hawaii.

The SM-3 Block IIA is being developed cooperatively by the U.S. and Japan and operates as part of the AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense System.

The Finn detected and tracked the target missile with its onboard AN/SPY-1 radar using the Aegis Baseline 9.C2 weapon system.

Upon acquiring and tracking the target, the ship launched an SM-3 Block IIA guided missile which intercepted the target.

A target missile was launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, Hawaii during Flight Test Standard Missile-45.

“This was a superb accomplishment and key milestone for the SM-3 Block IIA return to flight,” said MDA Director Lt. Gen. Sam Greaves. “My congratulations to the entire team, including our Sailors, industry partners and allies who helped achieve this milestone.”

Based on observations and initial data review, the test met its objectives. Program officials will continue to evaluate system performance.

Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense is the naval component of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System. The MDA and the U.S. Navy cooperatively manage the Aegis BMD program.

The MDA’s mission is to develop and deploy a layered ballistic missile defense system to defend the U.S., its deployed forces, allies and friends from ballistic missile attacks of all ranges in all phases of flight.

Army paratroopers from the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Alaska, wait to board an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, assigned to the 535th Airlift Squadron, out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The Soldiers were participating in Arctic Anvil 19-01, hosted by Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 9. Arctic Anvil is a joint, multinational, force-on-force training exercise designed to provide a realistic training event to validate participants’ ability to fight and win as a combined arms team.

Today, Commander Navy Region Hawaii and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam hosted a bell-ringing ceremony to mark the Navy’s 243rd birthday at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument Visitor Center. The keynote speaker was Capt. Jeff Bernard, the commander of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. This year’s theme is “Forged by the Sea.” The USS Arizona bell was rung nine times to mark the changing of the watch and the beginning of the Navy’s 243rd year. The ceremony will also include a special cake cutting ceremony and a performance by the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band.

The United States Navy traces its origins to the Continental Navy. A Oct. 13, 1775 resolution of the Continental Congress established what is now the United States Navy with “a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all possible despatch, for a cruise of three months….” After the American War of Independence, the U.S. Constitution empowered the new Congress “to provide and maintain a navy.” Acting on this authority, Congress established the Department of the Navy on 30 April 1798.

In 1972 Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized recognition of Oct. 13 as the Navy’s birthday encouraging a Navy-wide celebration of this occasion “to enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy heritage, and to provide a positive influence toward pride and professionalism in the naval service.”